Final 2002 Scouting Report: SS, Corey Ragsdale

Calvin Young

10/26/2002

The Mets used their supplemental 2nd round pick to select William Corey Ragsdale in the June 2001 free agent draft. He attended Nettleton H. S. in Jonesboro, Arkansas. At the time of the selection, Ragsdale had just returned from a fast-food store wearing a blue and orange athletic suit. He was then informed that the Mets had drafted him. Ragsdale was surprised, since the Mets had not apparently shown much pre-draft interest in him.

The supplementary pick was compensation for losing Robert J. Jones to San Diego. Corey Ragsdale was a good high school basketball player considered good enough for scholarship offers to mid-majpr college basketball programs. He accepted a scholarship to play baseball at the University of Arkansas.

Ragsdale demonstrates a severe inability to make contact. He has struck out 155 times in 419 at bats. He has also walked 48 times. His walk ratio is very solid. He successfully stole 34 bases in 43 attempts.

Year

Team

AVG.

AB

Hits

HR

RBI

R

SB

BB

K

OBP

SLG

2002

Capital City

.177

124

22

1

12

15

8

15

45

.262

.210

2002

Brooklyn

.183

224

41

2

19

35

26

23

72

.277

.259

2001

Kingsport

.141

71

10

1

5

9

4

10

38

.256

.286

*Stats as of 10/01/02.

Batting and Power. Ragsdale has a long swing that needs to be shortened and needs to get stronger so he can drive the ball. At 6'4", 180 lbs., Ragsdale has excellent power projection as he fills out.

Baserunning and Speed. Ragsdale has good speed and is a good base stealer.

Defense. Ragsdale has excellent hands and plays steady defense at shortstop. He has a strong arm and makes the routine plays with decent range. Should develop into a steady, though not spectacular, shortstop.

Projection. Reserve or starting shortstop. Ragsdale's steady defense and tools should get him to the major leagues, but his bat is what will keep him there and determine his role. The questions are when he fills out will he make consistent enough contact to use his projectable power or have a high enough on base percentage to take advantage of his speed.

ETA. N/A. With Jose Reyes and Chris Basak ahead of him in the Mets depth chart the Mets have no need to rush him. This allows Ragsdale more time to address his hitting issues. He could be an excellent offense shortstop if his bat develops.

COMMENTS

The hyping, and, perhaps, over hyping of Reyes has begun before he even reaches MLB. NYC can be a tough place for a potential star or superstar to break into MLB. The good news is that he's replacing Rey Ordonez, so it shouldn't be like Mickey Mantle replacing Joltin Joe DiMaggio. As a hitter, Reyes doesn't really compare to any of the top middle infielders. But, the Soriano comparison is best only because Soriano is a wrist hitter who generates his power primarily through his hands, wrists and forearms as does Reyes. Both also have tremendous speed. Beyond that Reyes won't hit for the power Soriano will, and Reyes will have a much better OBP.

1. Since Marco Scutarol turns 27 in October, he can't be considered more than a good bench player.

2. Chris Basak, a very good defensive SS, has struggled at AA.

3. Rob McIntyre has power and is a good defensive prospect, but has poor plate discipline. He continues to struggle against the CB.

4. Should the Mets leave Enrique Cruz at SS, then he becomes the Mets second best SS prospect.

5. The athletic Ragsdale possess 20 HR+ and 20 SB+ potential. His good hands ensures that Ragsdale will become a very good defensive SS. His long swing needs modification if he is to develop into a solid hitter.

Do you have an opinion on the Mets? Be sure to let us know on the message board. NYfansonly.com is always looking for die-hard Mets fans who would like to be writers for the site. Click here to learn more on how to become a Mets beat writer for NYfansonly.com.